October - Slip End

Slip End & District
Parish News
This aerial view
of the Parish
comes courtesy of
Google Earth, a
view taken a
couple of years
ago. Spot some
differences with
how it would
appear today!
And are there any
comments about
the localised
depressions here
and there?
October 2007
50p where sold
These images reflect some of what we are up to in
the Parish. There have been quite a few
favourable comments about the improving
appearance around the village especially in
Crawley Close and at Coronation Garden.
Children at the school benefit from increasing IT
equipment supply, largely funded through
FoSEL‟s efforts. On the downside, verges are
continually mangled and speeding traffic remains
a dangerous problem on our roads.
SLIP END PARISH COUNCIL
Chairman‟s Annual Report for 2006-7
This has been a busy year for the Parish
Council which has achieved a number of
significant improvements in Slip End,
Pepperstock, Aley Green & Woodside.
The Parish Council is chaired by Councillor
Christine Benson, supported by Councillors
Steve Fuell, Philip Penman, Ken Crossett,
Geoff Daniel, Mike McKevitt and Janet
Crawley, who joined us at the start of the year.
Our Clerk David Haste resigned and his role
as Parish Clerk was taken on by Nikki West
last summer.
This means that everyone
involved with the Council lives in our area and
understands the issues which are important to
all our residents.
Our key aim is to improve the quality of life
for everyone in the parish, from our
youngest to our oldest members.
Our focus is wide and we work to ...
 improve the appearance and character of
the area through refurbishment
 keep residents feeling safe by working
closely with our local Police team and
investing in CCTV
 improve infrastructure either by our own
improvements or working in conjunction
with District & County Councils;
 take a proactive & informed approach to
the major house-building plans which will
inevitably impact on our area over the
coming years
 aid local groups and charities and to help
them provide support, recreational facilities
or other benefits which have a positive
impact on so many of our residents.
It gives me pleasure to outline some of this
year's achievements and local improvements.
Coronation Gardens
The refurbishment has been a major project for
the Parish Council spanning this year and last.
Work was completed in the spring of 2007 and
I am sure you will agree that we have a really
attractive central focus to Slip End.
Our thanks go to the team responsible for the
planning, design and planting which include
Karen Casoria, Val Church & Pauline Smith,
led by Cllr Daniel. We are delighted that the
construction work was carried out by local
builder Mark Short of Inkerman Building and
Roofing, who has done a great job.
The official opening of the gardens took place
on May 19th when we formally thanked all the
local businesses that have supported this
project most generously: Fantastic Fireworks,
The Slip End Citroen Garage and Airparks.
Crawley Playground
Last winter a smart new “Kissing Gate” was
installed at the entrance to the playground
providing easier access for prams, buggies and
wheelchairs.
Maintenance work was
undertaken on the play equipment and on
ground surfaces. We are pleased to see a
decline in vandalism when compared to last
year. Funds are being accumulated for further
investment in the playground in due course.
Envirocrime Team
In the Spring of 2007 the Parish Council had a
presentation from Martin Gregson from South
Beds District Council‟s Envirocrime Team.
The Team deals with a range of issues which
impact on our environment such as graffiti, fly
-posting, fly-tipping and the dumping of waste,
nuisance lighting and noise.
We work with them to reduce dog waste
problems especially around Slip End Village
where penalties will be enforced. Progress has
also been made on the reduction of rubbish
around the entrance to the Timberlands site in
Pepperstock.
Please bring any problems to the attention of
our Clerk who will liaise with the Envirocrime
team on your behalf.
Aley Green Cemetery
Ken Crossett and Geoff Daniel sit on the
management committee and with their
involvement, much hard work has gone on this
year to improve appearance there and in
matters relating to its insurance and ownership.
The Parish Council has also funded monument
safety testing at both Aley Green and in the
churchyard at St Andrews.
Safety & Crime Prevention - Policing
In a “mixed” year, we have developed a good
working relationship with local beat Manager
PC Louise Howard who, with her colleague
PCSO Darrell Saunders-Fern, attends Parish
Council meetings. Problems caused by youths
hanging around and causing disturbance
reduced noticeably when she introduced more
visible policing in the evenings.
Generally, we perceive vandalism to have
declined but our crime figures vary quite
considerably from month to month. During
the year our police team HQ moved from
Dunstable to Leighton Buzzard and it remains
the Parish Council's view that this has a
negative impact on response times.
We
continue to challenge this move and its impact
on our residents and we continue to request
more visible policing.
We work closely with the Police, making full
use of our CCTV systems in order to support
their criminal investigations. Prominent
signage has been put in place in the “black
spots”, particularly around parking areas where
cars have been targeted by criminals. Car
owners must take great care keeping their
vehicles secure and valuables out of sight.
Overall, increased vigilance all round has
proved effective.
“No Cold Calling”
Signs were put up at strategic points last year
but we were disappointed that many were
blown down in the wind (possibly with some
helping hands) and getting replacements was
difficult, eventually being replaced with
durable, metal signs.
Hope is that this
initiative will reduce nuisance callers in the
area. Residents have had some difficulties
contacting the support team but these have
been addressed and service has improved.
CCTV
A new digital system is under trial at the
Playing Field, with a view to a permanent
upgrade. CCTV systems throughout are under
continuous review and improvement. We
have provided the Police with tapes on a
number of occasions.
Infrastructure - M1
The J6-J10 widening project continues to
provide dramatic local impact. Residents have
suffered considerably increased journey times
due to local road closures. A meeting last
year had teams from Balfour Beatty Skanska
Joint Venture (BBSJV) and the Highways
Agency face local residents. The Village Hall
was packed, standing room only at the back.
The team fielded many challenging questions
from residents who made clear the negative
impact of the project on roads, wildlife and
general appearance of our local countryside.
The positive outcome of this meeting has been
that
BBSJV
have
maintained
their
commitment and sent representatives to every
single Parish Council meeting we have held
since, so that any resident can challenge them
on any issue. The good news is that, overall,
the project is on track to meet for completion
at the end of 2008 but latest indication is that
the opening of Pepperstock bridge is further
delayed to mid-October. Public Relations
officer Suzy Keeley keeps us updated on road
closures and information, via our Clerk, is
uploaded to the Slip End website by Peter
King. The matter of water tankers draining
local water supplies in the Pepperstock area
was resolved.
Concerns remain over the condition of the
section of Half Moon Lane running down to
the A1081 (currently closed) and the damage
done to Woodside Lane due to heavy use as a
diversion route. The Parish Council, supported
by County Councillor Richard Stay, is working
hard to ensure that these routes will be
returned to good condition.
BBSJV supported Slip End Lower School by
providing a large paved area around the school
pond, which had been inaccessible for years
and is now an attractive and educational
feature for the pupils.
Planning is at the consultative stage for the
next phase of M1 widening, J10-J13, to the
north of the Parish. Gwyn Williams of Costain
Carillion Joint Venture (CCJV), who are
responsible for the J10-J13 section, has already
attended meetings of both the Parish Council
and the Playing Field Association and will
attend again in the future, when work gets
under way..
Jonathan Haynes (left) attends council meetings on behalf
of Balfour Beatty, seen here with Gwyn Williams, Public
Liaison Manager with Costain Carillion Joint Venture
who are getting involved with the J10-J13 project.
Thankfully there will be a gap in time between
completion of the J6-J10 section and the start
of work north of J10-J13 and details of the
new project may be obtained from the Clerk.
Traffic Lights
The traffic lights at the crossroads have
operated in a bizarre and unsafe fashion for a
considerable period and we know that many
residents have reported this to Bedfordshire
Highways.
The Parish Council have put pressure on
County to resolve this issue and, as I write,
belief is that they are now functioning in a
predictable sequence. We are thankful that no
serious accidents occurred there.
Junction Newlands Road and A1081
Led by Cllr Fuell and supported by District
and County Councillors, pressure was put on
to have traffic lights installed at this difficult
and dangerous junction. Our application was
given serious consideration with all parties,
including the police, being involved but it was
unsuccessful.
However, we are now getting together a
petition for a roundabout and whilst it is early
days, we have some confidence that this major
investment will be agreed. Work at the
A1081entrance to Luton Hoo has meant that
lighting is now installed, an improvement for
which we have campaigned, for years.
Half Moon Junction
We are also petitioning for a mini-roundabout
to join the two awkward traffic islands at the
junctions of Pepsal End Lane, Half Moon Lane
and Front street. We are also pushing for a
reduction in the speed limit here down from
60mph to 40mph.
Summer Street
Double Yellow Lines have been applied for at
the junction of Summer Street and Church
Road, that will run just 10m along Summer
Street. It is hoped that this will prevent
inconsiderate parking, particularly by patrons
of the Frog and Rhubarb, which can make
turning out of Summer Street hazardous.
There is large pub car park which, with use,
should alleviate these problems.
Speed Activated Sign
In March a “Slow Down”, speed activated sign
was installed on Markyate Road, funded by
Parish Partnership Grant money plus some
money from Parish resources. The sign is solar
powered and we have been assured that it will
still function well during the winter months,
but if it fails to do its job properly we can add
wind-power (or revert to mains power). We
hope that this sign will encourage drivers to
adhere to the 30mph limit on this busy road.
Drainage
Problems with drainage on Church Road near
the nursing home, were resolved following
Council pressure supported by Cllr Stay.
Housing Development Proposals
Members of the Parish Council have been
heavily involved in responding to the threat of
major housing development in our area. Slip
End has linked up with the parishes of
Caddington and Hyde and we are working
together to robustly oppose any plans that
propose large scale development in our area.
Whilst the Council is willing to consider
sustainable and appropriate development
which will be of benefit to our local schools
and businesses, we will do everything possible
to reject plans that threaten the loss of our
village and hamlet boundaries.
We are considering the 10 options which have
been put forward in the Draft Core Strategy
document. Five of these plans propose
significant house building around Slip End and
Caddington. Our Parish Council has reserve
funds available to enable us to secure
professional support to reject these proposals.
Our Councillors are attending briefing sessions
at District and County level so that we are
fully aware of all developments. Not only do
we oppose the loss of our semi-rural landscape
and the impact upon the greenbelt, we are
aware that our current infrastructure
(particularly roads and drainage) would be
unable to support development of any
magnitude.
Parish Council response to the strategy will be
submitted at the end of the current consultation
phase at the end of October.
Support to Local Groups
The Parish Council has had pleasure in being
able support a number of local groups and
charities over the past twelve months.
These include the Playgroup and the Mums &
Toddler groups, both held at the Village Hall
and to the Beaver and Cubs groups held at Slip
End Lower School. We have also given grants
to the Friendship Club and Brickhill Residents
Association and the Bedfordshire Road
Victim's Trust.
Other donations have been made to the Royal
British Legion and the Renaissance Project in
Bedford. We continue to provide gifts to the
more senior members of our community at
Christmas, and appreciate the support we
receive from local businesses which enables us
to do this. A grant was also given to the Slip
End Playing Fields Charity.
The Parish Council has now introduced their
own grant application form and all local
groups are welcome to apply to us for project
funding. Whilst resources remain limited the
Council is eager to support local ventures
which are of benefit to any section of our It will also provide opportunities for local
community and applications for 2008-9 need to adults to train as Youth Workers for both paid
be submitted before we set our budget in and volunteer roles.
November.
The Parish Council is in full support of this
project which will provide our young people
Playing Fields
with meaningful activities, not just at the club
Those familiar with the area will have noticed
but also on trips and outings during weekends
recently that work is underway on the new
and school holidays.
Tennis Courts, which are being re-sited due to
M1 encroachment on the Playing Field. At the Additionally, Steve Fuell is looking into the
moment there is a temporary lull in this work benefits of a permanent “Youth Shelter”, a
due to some planning permission matters and it facility which has been a popular addition to
Caddington and other local parishes. Grant
is hoped that work will re-commence shortly.
applications has been put in specifically for a
Also, the Playing Fields Management
youth shelter and bye-laws relating to the
Committee, an independent, volunteer group,
Playground are being reviewed to this end.
have confirmed that financial compensation has
been received due to loss of some land to the
M1 widening scheme. Compensation funding
... And finally
also covers all costs of the new courts.
I hope the above provides some insight to the
With the next phase of M1 widening from
range of work achieved by our Councillors over
junction 10 to junction J13 due to start in 2009the last twelve months. There have been many
2010, it is expected that further Playing Field
other small achievements and I would like to
land will be compulsorily purchased. The
thank all our Councillors for their hard work
committee are considering how best to respond
and commitment. Please don't forget that the
to this situation to best preserve this valuable
Parish Council is wholly funded by you via
recreational facility to the benefit of parish
your Council Tax.
residents.
The agenda for the next meeting is posted on
The Playing Fields provide an excellent
noticeboards dotted around the Parish at the
recreational resource for our local community‟s
Slip End Post Office, the bus stop on Half
relaxation and enjoyment. With several other
Moon Lane and in Woodside on the corner of
local volunteers, Cllrs Philip Penman and Steve
Manor Road. Parish Council meetings take
Fuell sit on the management committee dealing
place in the Village Hall on the first Monday of
with all matters relating to the Playing Field
each month at 8pm, unless notified otherwise.
and the Peter Edwards Hall. All upkeep and
You can ring Nikki West, our Clerk, to check
maintenance is funded by booking fees and we
the details of the next meeting. Come along,
hope that residents will continue to support the
see local democracy at work and have your
hall and activities held there, so that this may
say.
continue.
Slip End Youth Club
I would like to thank Janet Crawley, our newest
Councillor for all the hard work she has done in
a very short time to apply for grant money to
set up a Youth Club. If successful, the club
will run weekly on a Wednesday evening at
Peter Edwards Hall and will provide a very
wide range of resources for 10 to 16 year olds.
Christine Benson
Chairman, Slip End Parish Council
On the following pages you will find a number
of items from a number of our local
councillors, Police officers, M1 contractors, etc
which may help fill in some personal
backgrounds to augment the Chairman‟s
report.
Funded both directly by you through the
Council Tax and by direct grant from central
government, Bedfordshire County Council
delivers services across the county. In
2007/8, £560 million will be spent on schools,
adult and children's social services, trading
standards, highway maintenance, static and
mobile libraries, cultural and other services.
Beds CC is responsible for household waste
disposal, collected from your doorstep.
In
addition
£250
million will be spent on
capital
investments
such as new schools
and roads. Much work
also goes into strategic
planning and working
with
other
public
service providers.
Councillor Richard Stay has been our elected
representative at County Hall for over 10
years. His County Division covers Slip End
Caddington, Hyde and Kensworth. Political
responsibility for County Council finance goes
with his position as Cabinet Member for
Finance. Richard is also the County Council
Deputy Leader.
„Surgeries‟ are held monthly, see Parish News
Diary page for details. County, District and
Parish Councillors and the Police are available
to discuss local issues with residents. Go along
with matters which you wish to draw to the
attention of these authorities. Further contact
information on Parish @ Large page, but often,
talking face to face is valuable, so for that get
along to Heathfield School.
Councillor Philip Penman has taken an interest
in local government for 16 out of 22 years as a
Pepperstock resident. He is a Parish Councillor
and, with colleagues Ruth Gammons & Sally
Hills, represents Caddington, Hyde & Slip End
at the District Council. He leads at Parish
level on planning and financial matters. At
District level, he is Portfolio Holder for
Resources, financial matters and setting of the
District‟s portion of the Council Tax.
Philip‟s other areas of responsibility included
in his portfolio are Human Resources,
Benefits, Council Tax Collection & Audit.
Currently working on proposals for the new
Unitary Authority to succeed the current
District and County Councils, he works full
time at his own company in St Albans. In the
village, he is also Chairman and a Trustee of
Slip End Playing Field, a registered charity.
Councillor Steve Fuell has been busy with M1
related traffic diversions and congestion,
particularly around A1081 junctions in the
area. Ideas about traffic light installations
have been fruitless on cost grounds. Intense
considerations have been made with an eye to
the future, when the Pepperstock bridge reopens, with a revised road layout scheme.
Beds CC agree that a roundabout at Newlands
Road junction will be installed in the next year
or so. Steve has been busy trying to improve
other road safety issues such as the installation
of yellow lines at the junction of Summer St
and Church Road
CCTV matters have kept Steve busy too, with
improvements to the security around the
Village hall and Church Close.
Councillor s Philip Penman (left) & Steve Fuell
Cllrs Ken Crossett (left)
and Geoff Daniel (below)
have responsibilities for
garden areas, cemeteries,
monuments and street
furniture which includes
seats and benches, bus
shelters, litter bins, etc. In
particular, over the past
year Geoff has been active with a group in the
refurbishment of Coronation Garden on the
crossroads and Ken has been very busy with
matters relating to the local cemeteries at Aley
Green and the churchyard here in Slip End.
Both councillors are
encouraged by some
improvement
in
the
appearance of the area
and
with
increased
volunteer
help,
particularly at Coronation
Garden but also in
Crawley Close.
Cllrs Mike McKivett has been on the Parish
Council for two years but still consider himself
to be the „new boy‟ when compared to some of
his more experienced colleagues. He has a
special interest in Highways and Policing and
is particularly concerned about speeding
motorist travelling through our village and the
frequent failure of our traffic/pedestrian
crossing lights at the crossroads. He fears the
combination of the two could one day cause a
tragedy, particularly as the crossing is used by
so many of our children.
Mike is also a member of the emergency
planning group which feeds into the County
Councils emergency plan. This group makes
contingency plans should the very worst
happen on our doorstep from a tanker blaze to
an aircraft loss.
Mike has also been active in fundraising for
the Coronation Gardens and was successful in
securing a private sector contribution towards
the cost of the refurbishment.
Cllr Janet Crawley has recently submitted
applications on behalf of the Parish Council,
for grant funding, seeking to improve what is
on offer for the young people of the Parish.
Initial funds are being sought for a youth
shelter: Steve Fuell has been working on what
the shelter will look like and where it might be
sited. Hopes are that the shelter will be
somewhere near the Village Hall.
The Parish Council is looking for volunteers
and paid youth workers or trainee youth
workers and would like to hear from anyone in
the Parish who is able to help our youngsters.
If you have any thoughts in this direction,
please contact Janet or Nikki, the Parish Clerk.
Janet is keen to explore more Re-cycling
possibilities and reports elsewhere in this issue
about ingenious use of kitchen waste.
Councillor s Mike McKivett (left) & Janet Crawley
M1 J6A - J10 WIDENING PROJECT UPDATE
J10 bridges are now completed, permanent
white lines will be going down in early
October. Eventually new traffic signals will be
installed on the roundabout.
Unfortunately, bad weather this summer
delayed work on Pepperstock Bridge. Hopes
were to open at the end of September but now
plans are for the middle of October. Works on
the access tracks are ongoing and the footpaths
in Church Road should be open in the middle
of September.
The Environmental Barrier is in the process of
being erected around the junction 10 and
junction 9 areas. Some landscaping such as
sowing grass seed has taken place, during the
autumn we will commence other planting in
areas where the works have been completed.
Some interesting facts and figures:
 288,000 tons of concrete will be used
 550,000 tons of asphalt will be used
 7 kilometres of environmental barrier will
be erected
 45 kilometres of drainage pipes will be
installed
 98 kilometres of electrical cabling will be
installed for 1700 lighting columns and the
highway communication systems
 over 2 million tons of earth will be moved
 32 kilometres of concrete safety barrier will
be installed along the central reservation
 Landscaping will be put in to replace that
lost, followed by five years aftercare
 Archaeological and ecological surveys
were done at the outset in order to preserve
local wildlife and historical artefacts
Charities
Balfour Beatty & Skanska adopt charities,
usually for a period of one or two years at a
time. Balfour Beatty are supporting NCH and
Groundwork and Skanska supports a hospice.
At last year‟s dinner dance we raised a total of
£1750. Half was passed to Skanska for their
charities and half to Balfour Beatty towards
National Children‟s Homes.
The J6A-10 project has adopted Air
Ambulance as the site charity, donating £500
for the project reaching 500,000 man hours
without lost time injury. The grand total paid
to them was £1600. We continue to raise
money for other charities throughout the year,
including Red Nose Day, and Breakthrough
for Cancer.
Suzy Keeley
Pubic Relations Officer
BBSJV
Here‟s one from Mike Plummer‟s
archives: the late J10 Mk 1 pictured
during construction in the late „50s.
It
was a
big day,
long, long ago
on November 2nd
1959 when VIP‟s and
gentry gathered on a hard
shoulder. Unharried by today's
incessant traffic and congestion, they
observed the unveiling ceremonials for the
commemorative plaque which was mounted on
the parapet of the old bridge in Church Road.
Sadly, ever since that heady day the Plaque
stood unloved and neglected behind the Armco
on J10 north slip, splattered by rubber dust and
plastered with grime and spray.
Local hearsay suggests that, with Ministerial
and Contractual funding less stringent in those
days, Slip Enders were treated to festivities at
the Royal Exchange. Will we see the like
again? Today‟s hearsay suggests the Highways
Agency might be planning a similar treat at the
conclusion of the J6-J10 Project, but first they
need a little local advice. Perhaps you could
give some thought to this and help?
Having tenderly removed the plaque from the
old bridge, coddled it in a warm storeroom for
some months, Balfour Beatty are at a loss as
to where its final (?) resting place should be.
Do you have any suggestions?
To set the ball rolling, the Parish News
editorial team deliberated and their preference
is that it should be mounted somewhere on the
new set-up in Church Road, high up, out of the
reach of our local criminals; but what do you
think? If you‟ve any ideas or suggestions,
Parish News would like to hear them. A lively
Parish response to this issue may add cajoling
pressure on the authorities to push the boat out
a bit, come the Grand re-Unveiling Day on
completion of the J6-J10 project. Get those
suggestions rolling in!
David Kingston
Local contact with the
Police may be made by
calling
the
Safer
Neighbourhood Team
BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE Rural Sergeant 01582
473412/07876 130614)
or with our Community Police Officers Louise
Howard and Darrell Saunders-Fern. Louise
and Darrell, often around the Parish are keen
to make direct contacts with us. If you have
any concerns, questions or wish to introduce
yourself, you will find them very
approachable.
I joined Bedfordshire Police
as a Constable in July 2003
becaming a Beat Manager in
March 2006. I cover Slip
End, East Hyde, Caddington,
Studham, Kensworth and
Whipsnade.
My work is
varied and includes working
closely with the partnerships
to help solve problems in the community,
providing a visible presence, visiting people at
home, attending meetings, offering crime
prevention advice and lots more, which is why
I enjoy this role so much.
PC 5440 Louise Howard
01582 473462/07747 006707
Email: [email protected]
I joined Bedfordshire Police
as a PCSO in September
2005, covering the same area
as Louise. I enjoy my role
and find it very rewarding
working with the community.
I aim to develop the role
further by getting more
involved with local groups
and initiatives and build stronger relationships
within the community. I can quite often be
found patrolling the above villages so please
feel free to approach me for a chat.
PCSO 4335
Darrell Saunders-Fern
01582 473408
[email protected]
A NOTE FROM THE
PARISH CLERK
I have just completed my
first year as Clerk to the
Parish Council. I have
learnt so much and have
been made to feel very
welcome by all the
Councillors.
Until I took on this job, I had no idea what the
Parish Council did or what happened at the
meetings. I think many local residents may
also be unaware of the kind of decisions and
changes that their Parish Council can make.
At some meetings we get quite a few members
of the public which is really encouraging and it
would be great to see more people there. You
can sit and listen or take an opportunity to
speak if you have a matter you wish to raise.
The police are usually represented by PC
Louise Howard, Sergeant Kay Lichfield or
PCSO Darrell Saunders-Fern. Additionally we
have guest speakers and representatives from
Balfour Beatty and Costain Carilion who can
answer your questions about the M1 widening.
You can contact me between meetings to ask
for an agenda item to be included: the agenda
is displayed on noticeboards at the Post Office,
in Pepperstock (Half Moon Lane bus stop
notice board) and Manor Road, Woodside.
The agenda goes up on the notice boards on
the Wednesday before each meeting.
If you can't attend any of the meetings but
would like to know what kind of things are
discussed, you can view the minutes on the
Slip End Website or contact me and I can
email or post you a copy. I am happy to deal
with any queries you may have by phone or
email and can advise you if something is a
matter for the District or County Council, and
put you in touch with the right person.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all the Councillors for their support,
advice and encouragement over the past year.
Nikki West
RE-CYCLING
LUTON & DISTRICT MODEL BOAT CLUB
Very much in our thoughts these days,
Councillor Crawley is going a step further
with kitchen waste re-cycling. There is a lot of
interesting information on this and related
subjects.
For a start, take a look at
www.originalorganics.co.uk/wormeries.htm
The Club was originally formed as a scale
model boat club, with interests in sail, steam
and a small nucleus of „fast electrics‟, but has
over the years grown to include all types of
modelling from boats, trains, cars, planes and
indoor helicopters.
Setting up a wormery is how to get rid of all
the kitchen waste. Our wormary arrived as a
small bin. (“Not another one!” says husband
Steve). The bin has a tap in the bottom to
drain off the liquid manure which, according to
the leaflet, the worms produce in abundance.
The worms are supplied separately, so I have
sent off the voucher which came with the
wormery and I am eagerly awaiting my wiggly
arrivals.
Meanwhile, I have been sorting out bedding,
peat mixed with paper from the office
shredder. When we have received the worms,
I will report under a “Worms that Turned”
column in future issues of Parish News and
how my kitchen waste is being re-cycled.
Janet Crawley
As a club we are not very competitive.
Nevertheless we do hold a number of
competition regattas during the summer
season. The competitions themselves are light
hearted and usually combined with 'public
open days' where we encourage the public to
participate in our hobby. These events
normally culminate in a club barbecue and
evening sail.
Sailing is every Sunday morning about 11am
at Wardown Park Lake. Club meetings are on
the second Thursday of every month held at
Warden Hill Community Hall at the rear of the
Warden Tavern on the New Bedford Road
(A6) in Luton, starting at 8.00pm.
Refreshments are available. Also members and
guest speakers give regular talks.
If you would like to know more about our club
please ring our Secretary Graham Rumble on
01442 255358 or www.lutonmodelboat.co.uk
MAKE OUR ROADS SAFER!
Cllr Steve Fuell is endeavouring to get improved traffic arrangements in the area. To help
move the process forward the Parish Council is organising a petition to Bedfordshire County
Council, which is responsible for road changes. If you are agreeable, please fill out the petition
form below and send it to Slip End Parish Council at any off the following addresses:
Cllr Christine Benson, 15 Claydown Way, Slip End, Beds, LU1 4DU
Cllr Steve Fuel, 1 Crawley Close, Slip End, Beds, LU1 4BT
The Parish Clerk, „The Limes‟, 43 Summer Street, Slip End Beds, LU1 4BL
………………………………………………………………………
PETITION TO BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL FOR:
A Roundabout at the NEWLANDS ROAD - A1081(Harpenden Road) junction.
Improvements to New Penny Lane between the A1081 and Pepperstock.
Improved road layout including a Roundabout at Pepperstock crossroads.
These road junctions have a very poor accident record, are dangerous and not fit for purpose.
There are unacceptable delays at peak times at the two A1081 junctions. Slip End needs urgent
action to reduce risks to motorists.
We the undersigned demand urgent action by the Highway Authority to reduce
the poor accident record at these junctions and to improve traffic flows into and
out of the Parish of Slip End.
Name(s):
Postcode:
Signature(s)
In order to allow time for these contacts, while
avoiding any delay in making subsequent calls,
For more than forty years the
each Rotarian will only deliver to a small
Members of The Rotary Club of
number, usually two, addresses.
Dunstable have provided and
delivered hot Christmas lunches Changes in the structure of the Social Services
to local people who are unable to with devolution of their responsibility has led
leave their homes or who have no to difficulties in obtaining details of those who
family support available. With may need our assistance with this project. Any
the continued extension of the holiday period at assistance that you can give to allow us to
this time the housebound may have little or no contact those who may benefit from our
attention will be most welcome, all information
outside contact for up to two weeks.
is treated confidentially.
The visit by the Rotarian who delivers this meal
in the middle of winter not only provides some Details can be given to any member of the
essential nourishment to those in poor health Rotary Club of Dunstable or sent direct to:
but also gives a chance for them to have a little
Owen Pinney
human contact and conversation. This can be of
Community Service Committee Chairman
as much value to them as the meal.
19 Elm Grove, Toddington, LU5 6BJ
Christmas Lunch Project
The Parish @ Large
SCHOOLS
Slip End Lower: 720152
Five Oaks: 726058
Streetfield: 613421
Ashton: 663511
Manshead: 608641
SPORT
Bowling Club: 412506
Tennis: 733253
Darts League: 425323
Football: 418494
Cricket: 414157
PARISH COUNCILLORS
Christine Benson: 456200
[email protected]
Stephen Fuell: 417792
[email protected]
Philip Penman: 455185
[email protected]
Geoff Daniel: 424363
[email protected]
Ken Crossett 414168
[email protected]
Mike McKevitt: 720596
[email protected]
Janet Crawley: 07752 902070
[email protected]
CLERK TO THE PARISH COUNCIL
Nikkie West: 402312
[email protected]
HALLS
Village Hall: 723109
Peter Edwards Hall: 455185
COMMUNITY
Brownies: 723109
Beavers: 725297
Cubs: 414157
Fly Tipping (SBDC): 472222
Friendship Club: 452978
Slip End Assoc: 414796
Mother‟s Union: 738435
Playgroup: 728865
Toddler Group 405931
Allotments: 736892
FoSELS (PTA):
Tracey Burgess
Women‟s Institute: 421034
Police: 473412
Aircraft noise: 395382
Water leaks: 0845 7823333
DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
Sallyann Hills: 721343
[email protected]
Philip Penman: 455185
[email protected]
Ruth Gammons 738398
[email protected]
COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Richard Stay: 724685
[email protected]
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Margaret Moran: 01582 731882
[email protected]
CHURCHES
St Andrew‟s Church
Rev Joy Daniel 01582 424363
Wardens: Tony Willson 482681
Ken Crossett 414168
Aley Green Methodist Church
Minister: Rev Julia Dowding 730129
Senior Steward: Ann Meader 733668
SHOPS & SERVICES
Post Office: At the Crossroads, telephone 401069
Monday to Friday 6.30 to 21.00 Saturday 7.00 to 21.00 - Sunday 7.30 to 21.00
Garage: Slip End Garage, Markyate Road, telephone 456888
Website: slipend.co.uk
ALLOTMENTS & GARDEN ASSOCIATION
Vegetable Garden
After planting as many spring cabbages as
possible, be sure to protect them against the
local rabbit population as this is a most
valuable crop at a thin time of year. As turnips
mature, lift a good supply and store in a frost
proof place during winter. They keep well in a
heap in any dry shed or outhouse, but are all
the better for a light covering of dry sand. Any
left in the ground should have their tops cut off
and these will provide a useful crop in late
winter and early spring.
Dig and manure the vegetable plots and turn
over any areas dug earlier, removing and
burning any couch grass roots. Keep vacant
ground clear of rotting and decaying matter as
these will harbour pests and diseases if left
lying about.
Our gardening correspondent has spotted a
few cauliflowers not yet having a leaf folded
over for curd protection: frost will be striking
soon, so this is positively your last warning!
Flower & Fruit Garden
Deciduous shrubs can be planted out now or
lifted to other quarters; new roses can also be
planted, then make the ground around very
firm. Take cuttings of shrubs, inserting them
CAR WASH
Just £5!
Stuart Baird is busy raising funds for his
Kenya trip where he will spend some
time on Community Projects and enjoy
a walk in an elephant reserve!
So if your car needs a wash
call Stuart on 738205
firm and deep , with some sand mixed into the
soil. Unlike many hardy bulbs, hyacinths
benefit from a good drying off and there is
nothing to be gained by planting out before
late October.
General Work
Gather fallen leaves, particularly from the rock
garden where, if left lying thickly, may
damage or kill off the plants.
Now is the time to repair and turn lawns and
when cutting season is over, clean off the
mower and think about having it serviced. For
motor mowers, try to leave little if any fuel in
the tank as this may degrade over winter and
give problems in the spring.
A Sad Tale of
Disappearing Pumpkins
Every year I grow pumpkins on my allotment
for my grandchildren to enjoy at Halloween.
This year they wont have any because they
have all been cut and every one, except the
smallest, taken away. If any Mum or Dad
knows of pumpkins recently acquired from a
doubtful source, I would be really grateful if
they could arrange for them to be returned to
me at 2 Summer Street or just return them to
my allotment.
10 good reasons to be involved with OCC:
 Shoe boxes are simply done and easily
organised.
 Age and lack of experience are not barriers,
children especially love being involved.
 Connect with others to show the true
meaning of Christmas.
 Teach the power of the gospel to children
and their families (the Good Samaritan).
 Churches and community work together.
 Get hands-on experience: knit scarves, drive
vans, check and fill boxes.
Equally sad is that, had they been left for a few
weeks longer, they would probably have
grown to twice the size!!
Val Church
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Our last outing was to Southend-on-Sea: what
a smashing place it is, everything is so lovely
and clean. Just 2 hours drive away, it is well
worth a trip, a good day out. Those choosing
not to walk up the hill to the shops used the
recently refurbished cliff lift, up from the sea
front.
We are pleased to report that May King is
recovering after her fall last month. In the
L&D for two weeks, she is home now back
with Hilda and getting out and about again.
Edie Ham is also suffering now with a broken
hip and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Pam King
 Reach children overseas, in places where
there is very little money for food and
clothes, with expressions of love. The joy of
receiving a box is indescribable.
 Discover more about other countries,
cultures and Christian mission across the
world.
 Develop skills and confidence by
volunteering to present demonstrations in
schools and churches.
 Unite together in thanksgiving at a Shoe
Box Sunday celebration or special service.
If you are not involved already please take
time to think about Operation Christmas Child,
it means so much to a child who has nothing.
Satisfaction is guaranteed, whether it is in
making up a box, volunteering to help at the
warehouse or donating items for the boxes.
Leaflets will be available at St Andrew‟s
Church in October or contact Teresa
(482681) or Sue (733507) for information.
Sue Briggs
Slip End Tennis Club
QUIZ NIGHT
SATURDAY 13th OCTOBER
Peter Edwards Hall Slip End Playing Field
Teams Maximum of 8 People
£6 per person including Supper
Bring your knives & forks, Drinks & Glasses
(Doors open 7.00pm - 7.30pm start)
Call Steve on 414162 for Tickets
Clown Hand Puppets Pattern
Fancy a natter
while you Knit?
Then Come to
knit ‘n’ natter Club!
We will be meeting on 11th &
25th October, 1:30 to 2:45.
Open to all regardless of
ability, bring along any
knitting projects you have on
the go,, needlework, crochet,
etc... Or just drop by for the
chat and a cuppa!
Thank you to all who have
donated wool: we would be
most grateful for more as we
will be knitting for the
Christmas Child campaign.
Contact me, Julie Taylor, on
413912 or e-mail
[email protected].
You need oddments of double
knitting wool, including
white and colour suitable
for hair and 1 pair size 8
(4mm) needles.
Cast
on
44
stitches work 6
rows in rib. Change
colour and work 24
rows in stocking stitch in
various striped wool.
Next row: Change colour wool and cast on 10
stitches. Knit back 32 altogether, turn leaving
remaining 22 stitches on a spare needle, cast on
10 sts. K.4 P34 K4.
Continue for a further 6 rows remembering to
knit the first and last 4 stitches on purl rows.
Cast off 12 sts. Knit to end of row. Cast off
12sts. Purl to end of row. Slip these stitches
onto spare needle, and break off wool. Rejoin
wool to 22 sts on first spare needle, and work
to match. On last row purl across the stitches
left on the second needle giving total of 36.
Join on white wool for the face and K 18 sts.
Join on colour for hair and K further 18 sts.
(Taking care to twist two yarns together at
join.)
Work 10 more rows in stocking stitch twisting
yarns each time to avoid a hole. Join on first
colour for hat.
In support of National Knitting Week & the
Christmas Child Campaign, why not have a go
at this Hand Puppet from OCC, ideal for
dropping into those shoe boxes. (A pair will
serve as mitts.) It won‟t take long and might
encourage you to get those needles tapping,
then call by our fortnightly sessions?
Work 2 rows garter stitch. Next Row S.1.K.1.
p.s.s.o. K14 K2 tog. S.1.K.1.p.s.s.o. K14 K2
tog. Knit to end Next Row Purl.. Repeat these
last two rows until 2 sts remain. (The middle
number of K's will decrease each time.) Cast
off. Embroider facial details on white piece of
knitting. Sew up.
(Your imagination could come up with many
variations, e.g. Father Christmas)
Thank you so much for your time, and please
rest assured that these little puppets will be
treasured for years!
F
We still have a few places for any girl over 6½
years old, as we will be losing a few of the
older girls who hopefully will be going to
Guides. If you are interested call Gillian on
01582 723109.
Gillian Plummer,
Brown Owl.
ancy a Twirl?
Did you know that
regular Dances are
held in the Village
Hall?
On
Saturdays
evenings
listed
below, there‟s a
lively
session
including a live
band.
Dates will also be posted on the Diary page of
Parish News. We dance to a live band, all
styles included to suit everyone. Cost is just
£5, which includes a plated buffet! B-Y-O
drinks for an enjoyable night out.
October 27th
November 17th
December 8th
New Years Eve
Below: An “ex-Pats” edition special. It was
Harvest Supper-time in the Village Hall again
here last Friday. Here‟s a shot from an earlier
Call Shirley Knapton on 412506 beforehand so
HS: Dulcie Bailey & Michael Withy doing
that catering arrangements can be made.
their thing sometime in the „80s.
ALEY GREEN METHODIST CHURCH
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Thanks to everyone who left fruit, jars and
vegetables on my doorstep. The preserve teams
have been at work restocking shelves for the
Autumn Fayre, after two successful stalls; at
Houghton Regis and at the Caddington Show.
We celebrated our 52nd
Birthday
with
Studham,
Totternhoe and Dunstable
members as our guests. After
our business formalities, we all
joined
together
singing
Jerusalem, we sat down to our
birthday meal. By the remarks
I heard this was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
With full tummy‟s we relaxed back to be
entertained by the outstanding antics of „Razzle
Dazzle‟. We all wished we had their energy.
Lorna Kalisz baked the birthday cake; I wish
we had a birthday every meeting, lovely Lorna!
The October Coffee Evening will be on
Wednesday 3rd at 7.30. Pat will be selling all
sorts of cards and calendars. Money raised will
go to Cancer Research. Our Autumn Fayret
will start at mid-day on the 13m October. We
will be serving lunches as well as afternoon
teas and all the usual stalls will be there. Please
pop along and join the fun.
On October 14m at 11am there will be an all
We meet on 3rd Tuesday in the monthly at
age worship led by Steve Joans, everyone is
Baptist Church Hall from 7.30: see Diary Page
welcome to come, coffee will be served
for more information.
st
afterwards. October 21 there is a Holy
Communion service with Rev Julia Dowding.
You will be so welcome!
On Thursday 25th October we will have a stall
at the Houghton Regis Craft Market. Sunday
November 4th 11am is our Junior Missions for
All service led by Jo Prowse. Our children have
collected £691 this year and smashed all our
previous records (it is £241 up on last year)
Well done to all the children! And the Harvest
Auction raised £230 for Water Aid, thanks to
all who attended.
Patricia Crick
FARLEY HILL METHODIST CHURCH
It was packed at Farley Hill Methodists for the
Anniversary Lunch last month. Reverend Betty
Trinder, former Pastor, came from Yarmouth to
be the Guest of Honour. Following the
welcome by Ken Cameron (FHM), David
Ann Meader Davies (St John the Baptist) said grace, then an
excellent meal prepared by Iris Butcher and
Judy Harper, was served. Harry Sullivan
(World Wide Church of God) proposed the
Toast to Reverend Trinder, commenting on the
work she had put in to found the Lunch Club.
Reverend Betty said how delighted she was to
find the Club in a most healthy state and
congratulated all concerned. “The happy smiley
faces are a pleasure to see.”
The October Lunch takes place on Wednesday
10th, two courses with tea at £2.50.
Members of FHM attended the World Wide
Church of God Ladies day on Saturday 15 th
September for a day of hymns, prayers and
speakers.
Ken Cameron
Celebrate the growing and
decoration of pumpkins, at
“Pumpkin Arts in Beds &
Herts” during 27th & 28th
October at the historic Luton
Hoo Walled Garden
You are invited to submit entries for the best
painted or decorated pumpkin, the largest,
weirdest or most wonderful. Enjoy local crafts
and customs displayed in original buildings of
the 18th century walled garden, which is being
painstakingly restored by volunteers.
Schoolchildren from the youngest upwards are
especially welcome to submit entries in classes
for every age designed to bring out their
ingenuity and artistic skills in pumpkin
painting and sculpture.
Gardening and art clubs, pubs and teams of
company employees are encouraged to
participate.
To book tickets or receive a free Pumpkin
Grower‟s Fact Sheet by e-mail, or take part in
the many fascinating activities of the walled
garden project, call Charlotte Phillips: 01582
721443; e-mail: [email protected].
Family
Halloween
Party
Friday 26th October
7:30pm until late
At Slip End Village Hall
Proceeds in aid of the
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Quality Raffle Prizes
£5 per family ticket (max 5 people)
£1.50 per single ticket
Children under 16 to be accompanied by a
responsible adult.
Entry by ticket only.
Pumpkin competition
Children & Adult
Fancy Dress Competition
Enquiries to Shirley: 07866215453
or Philippa: 07961958404
It was good to see Anna & Peter deLange back amongst us last month, when they dropped by
Slip End for a brief visit. Only picture of Peter in the archive illustrates his party trick, “The
Amazing Imploding Plastic Bottle” stunt. Sadly no longer in his repertoire: his optician
suggested that, impressive as this trick was, it was beginning to cause a little eye damage!
ST ANDREWS CHURCH
Services & Events in October
Midweek Communions take place monthly at two venues in Slip End, details from Joy
Wednesday 3rd
10.30am
Pram Service in the Family Room
Friday 5th
Sunday 7th
Monday 8th
Tuesday 9th
Thursday 11
Sunday 14
th
th
Monday 15th
Wednesday 17th
Sunday 21st
Wednesday 24th
Thursday 25th
Friday 26th
Sunday 28th
Wednesday 31st
Friday 2nd November
11.00am
2.15pm
10.30am
6.15pm
9.00am
Rothesay Road Nursery visit to St Andrews
Village School Harvest Festival
Harvest Service with Informal Communion
3:16 meet in the Family Room
Packing and distribution of Harvest Produce
7.30pm
Holiday Club planning meeting in Church
8.00pm
Footsteps meet in the Family Room
10.30am
10.00am
Morning Praise
Confirmation Service at St Hughs Lewsey
No St Andrews Ramblers this month
Prayer Ministry Team meeting in the Family Room
Pram Service in the Family Room
Holiday Club training in Church
Holy Communion
3:16 meet in the Family Room
Holiday Club meeting
Holiday Club in Church
Holiday Club in Church
Holy Communion at East Hyde
Morning Praise
Pram Service in the Family Room
Woodside Home Service
8.00pm
10.30am
7.30pm
10.30am
6.15pm
9.15am
10.30am
10.30am
2.30pm
the birth of little Joshua to Georgina &
Michael. Too late for this issue, there will
be pictures next month.
Passports
The French passeport became an English word in the
15th century, but the idea is at least as old as 445 BC
when the prophet, Nehemiah, wanted to travel home to
Judah. His employer, the Persian King Artaxerxes,
agreed and gave him a letter for "the governors of the
country beyond the river" requesting safe
passage (Nehemiah, 2:7). British passports are first
mentioned during the reign of Henry V in 1414.
Known as "Safe Conducts", they were bits of paper
personally signed by the king or queen, asking for the
Joyce Barker (above), who lives in bearer to travel freely.
Claydown Way has come up with some Until 1772, British passports were written in Latin
interesting history about passports and or English, and from 1772 to 1858 they were written
their origin. Incidentally, congratulations in French, as passage in and out of Britain was mostly
to Joyce and the rest of Clan Barker on via the Channel ports.
What‟s this
all about?
On Thursday 25th and Friday 26th
October, during the half term break,
we will be holding a Holiday Club
at St Andrews for children in
school years 1 to 6. There will be
lots of Fun & Games, Singing &
Dancing with Drama, Puppets,
Crafts, Games and more!
Theme is „Wastewatchers‟ and
there will be stories from St John‟s
Gospel and lots about Re-cycling
in a fun way.
For more information, contact Mary
on 738435, Jill on 452539 or Joy
424363 or talk to any of our
„Kidztime‟ Leaders, then fill out a
registration form see below, one for
each child) and drop it into Jill
Sanders‟ home at:
19 St Andrew‟s Close,
Slip End.
…………………………………………………………………………
WASTEWATCHERS REGISTRATION FORM (Please use a separate form for each child)
Wastewatchers will take place at St Andrew‟s Church on Thursday 25 th & Friday 26th October.
Child‟s full name:
Sex: M/F
Date of birth:
School:
Please register my child for
Wastewatchers.
Parent‟s/Guardian‟s signature:
Parent‟s/Guardian‟s full name:
Address:
I give permission for my child‟s and my details to
be entered on the church database:
Yes/No
Phone number:
I give permission for my child to appear on
group photographs:
Yes/No
KEEP UP WITH THE SLIP END NEWS!
This month „Parish News‟ is sponsored for distribution throughout the Parish by the Slip End &
District Parish Council.
Do you see the magazine regularly each month?
If not and you would like to have it delivered to your home, please complete the slip below and
send it with the ₤4 annual subscription to Brian Church, 2 Summer Street, Slip End (458443)
If you live outside the village, the subscription for postal delivery (11 issues per year) is at
present ₤6. All other subscriptions through your regular distributor please.
…………………………………………………………………………
I would like to receive Parish News regularly.
I enclose the annual subscription ₤4 or ₤6 for postal delivery.
Please make cheques payable to Slip End & District Parish News
Name
Address
…………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………
The Plough
Upper Woodside
01582 720923
Traditional Food
Blackboard specials
Dining Room, Garden & Marquee available for all types of Parties
Breakfasts, Lunches & Bar Snacks
Afternoon Teas & Evening Meals
We take bookings for large parties so food is prepared just for you.
Car parking, disabled facilities & baby changing for males and females
Bar Open:
Mondays to Wednesdays: 9am to 10pm
Thursdays to Saturdays: 9am to 12 midnight
Sundays: 11am to 10pm
SLIP END
PLAYGROUP
Nearly new
sale
Saturday 13th October
2pm to 3:30pm
at Slip End Village Hall
Clothing, equipment and toys for children aged 2 to 12 years,
baby equipment and toys, maternity-wear and ladies clothing.
Items to be labeled clearly with name, size and price (include 25% for
Playgroup). Labels to be pinned on with safety pins or sticky labels to
be used. Items to be provided on hangers if possible Deliver goods to
be sold between noon and 1p.m. on Saturday to Slip End Village Hall,
side entrance.
Further Enquiries Phone: 01582 724888 or 01582 728865
Please return for your goods at 16:00hrs.
We will not be responsible for any goods left after 4.30pm.
Welcome to the start of the Autumn term at
Slip End Lower School and all the latest news
from the school and the parent - teacher
association (FoSELS).
Those who shop at Tesco will have noticed a
new batch of vouchers, this time for sports
equipment, now being given away. Please can
I ask you to collect them up, even if you don‟t
have children, and donate them to the school.
Just pop them in at the office as they really
make a difference to the children. It means the
school budget can go that little bit further.
New School Year
Upcoming Events
The children are now settling into their new
classes as the new school year gets underway.
This year the classes have changed around and
been named after jewels rather than birds.
There are lots of exciting events coming up in
the school diary:
So we now have:
Foundation unit:
Year 1 & 2:
Year 3:
Year 4:
Ruby
Topaz
Diamond
Amber
Due to lower numbers, years 1 and 2 have
been combined and are being taught by Miss
Peppiatt. Mrs Gordon is in charge of year 3
with a new teacher, Miss Helen Parry, having
joined to teach year 4.
Computers for Schools
Thanks
to
everyone
who
collected
the
Tesco vouchers
for the school.
These have now
all been counted
up and an order
placed for some
new kit, including
2 fantastic digital
microscopes
which
take
snapshots, video
and
time-lapse
movies.
The children will
be
able
to
manipulate images with drawing and painting
tools as well as experiment with their creations
using special effects and sound.
Harvest Festival: Friday 5th October
Half term: 22nd October – 29th October
(inclusive, 29th is a teacher training day)
The Nutcracker: the children will get to see
this theatre production on the 16th November.
An important FoSELS date, is the Christmas
Fair which takes place on the 1st December.
We hope you‟ll all come along to support our
fundraising efforts.
FoSELS
At the end of last term we sent out some
questionnaires to gauge what events parents
would like FoSELS to organise and,
importantly, would support this year. Based on
the feedback received we are hoping to arrange
the following in the future:
Saturday Morning Cinema Club
Children‟s Christmas Fun Event
Gardening club
Spring Family Ccmp-out
Car Boot Bale
We‟ll publish news about each event as we
decide when they will take place so keep on
the look out for dates and news in PN and on
the school website (www.slipend.beds.sch.uk).
You can always catch up with pictures and
news on the school website, plus check any
upcoming diary dates. So add it to your
favourites list on your computer. That‟s all the
news for now, see you next month.
Sandra Collins
PLAYGROUP & TODDLER GROUP
We are very active, welcoming new 2¼ year
old children every term. They stay with us for
about 12 months before moving on to the
Foundation Units of the local schools.
Last term we grew butterflies from tiny
caterpillars and released them into the wild.
We held our sponsored Fun Run around the
playground and took children and parents to
Woodside Animal Park at the end of term.
We recently welcomed 10 new children to the
group. The children will be in a colour group:
red, blue, green or yellow, according to who
their key-worker is. This makes it easier for
everyone to keep up to date with each other.
With an Autumn theme this term, we are doing
some activities based on Harvest. Last year,
with Church Road closed for M1 work, we
were not able to have our annual autumn walk
in Stockwood Park, but we will be off there
again, as usual, some time this term.
Both Groups were recently pleased to receive
grants for from the Parish Council. Playgroup
spent theirs on much needed new crash mats to
put round the climbing frame or trampoline.
The Toddlers group are purchasing new baby
toys with theirs. Thank you, PC!
We are busy raising funds and by the time you
read this we will have held a race-night in
Caddington. As I write the tickets for this are
selling really fast. Our Nearly New Sale will
be in the Village Hall on Saturday 13th
October. The committee have decided not to
have baby clothes, clothes will be for 2 year
olds upwards. Ladies clothes will be included
as well.
We also have a Children‟s Book Sale on
Tuesday 16th October. This will be from 12
noon, at the end of Playgroup, until about 2.30.
At the start of November both groups will have
a photographer visit: the pictures of the
children will be ready for Christmas.
The Toddler Group meets every Tuesday in
term time, 1.30 to 3.00 in the Village Hall.
This is a drop-in session for anyone with small
children. (Use the Hall back entrance.)
We provide refreshments for adults and
children and are thankful to Sue Horton and
Lyn. Sue has now moved out of the area and
the Toddler group is looking for someone else
to help Lyn. Perhaps you could help out on a
Tuesday afternoon for an hour or so? It would
suit anyone of any age who would like the
company of mothers, grandmothers and small
children. If you can help, please phone the
Toddler leader Julie on 01582 724888.
Jill Acton
Car Boot Sale
Slip End Lower School
Sunday October 21st
Noon to 3pm
Set up from 10am
Pre-book at £5 per pitch,
£7.50 per pitch on the day.
Entrance 20p
For details or to pre-book call
Michelle on 01582 731 869
or Penny on 07966 048449
Welcome to Autumn
The summer may be over
and winter drawing near;
But now it‟s time for meetings,
for friendship, warmth and cheer.
There‟s purple on the mountains
and beauty all around,
With here and there a summer rose
still waiting to be found.
Its time for reminiscing
recalling summer day,
For sharing hope and happy thoughts‟
in many quiet ways.
A time of relaxation
of fellowship and joy,
Creating Autumn memories,
that winter can‟t destroy.
Isis Hesselden)
A Musical Evening
At St Andrew’s Church
Clarinet
Cameos
Saturday 24th November
Commencing 7:30pm
A mix of favourite classical,
a little Jazz
&
Music from West End Shows
Peter R. Scrivener (Clarinet)
Assisted by Marc Watson (Library & Audio)
Tickets £6
including Refreshments
from the Vicar (01582) 424363
or Peter Scrivener (01582) 726126
All proceeds to St Andrew’s Church Fund
SHAW’S CORNER
Recently I enjoyed a
visit to the late
George
Bernard
Shaw‟s home at
Ayot St Lawrence,
not
far
from
Wheathampstead.
This is close enough
to Slip End to enjoy
a
late
summers
afternoon looking at
the grounds and the
house.
The house remains
as it was when he
died in 1950. The
atmospheric rooms in the house evoke feelings
that GBS had just popped out for the
afternoon. The house was built in 1902 and
George and his wife Charlotte lived there,
enjoying the tranquillity of the village.
There are certain things to look out for in the
house; Shaw‟s Oscar which he won for Best
Screenplay for Pygmalion in 1938; a collection
of some of his famous hats, the study
(complete with his actual typewriter, glass,
pens etc..) and a collection of Shaw
memorabilia. You can relax in the 3½ acre
garden which is complete with an orchard,
flower meadow, rose dell and richly planted
herbaceous and shrubbery beds, all of which
were planted before 1950. At the back of the
house is an area housing a large selection of
books that have been donated, these are sold at
very reasonable prices to pay for renovations.
The ashes of Shaw and his wife Charlotte are
scattered throughout the garden and around the
6ft square-revolving hut where most of his
famous works were written. The late
playwright was well known for his comments,
viewpoints and his famous quips and is one of
the most quoted people in the English
Language. For more information log on to
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shawscorner
Sue Briggs
Some GBS quotations ...
Which painting in the National Gallery would
I save if there was a fire?
The one nearest the door of course!
Those who can do, those who can't teach.
Only Lawyers and mental defectives are
automatically exempt for jury duty.
England and America are two countries
divided by a common language.
My reputation grows with every failure.
When a stupid man does something
of which he is ashamed,
he always declares that it is his duty.
Lack of money is the root of all evil.
Find enough clever things to say
and you're a Prime Minister;
write them down and you're a Shakespeare.
I enjoy convalescence.
It is the part that makes
the illness worth while.
DIARY: If you would like your events included, please contact the Editor
October
1st
Parish Council: Village Hall at 8.00pm
5th
Slip End School: Harvest Festival
6th
10am to noon: Councillor’s Surgery at Heathfield School, Caddington
7th
St Andrew’s: Harvest Festival
9th
Brownies: Table-Top Sale at the Village Hall
11th
Knit & Natter: 1.30 to 2.45 at Julie Taylor’s home
13th
Aley Green Methodist Church: Autumn Fayre at 2.30pm
13th
Slip End Tennis Club: QUIZ NIGHT at the PE Hall 7pm,
16th
Women’s Institute: “Royal connections”, speaker Mrs. A Parsons
21st
FoSELS: Car Boot Sale at the School
25th
Knit & Natter: 1.30 to 2.45 at Julie Taylor’s home
25thSt Andrew’s: Holiday Club for 5 to 10 year-olds
26th
26th
Family Halloween Party at the Village Hall
27thLuton Hoo - Pumpkin Arts in Beds & Herts
28th
at the Village Hall
27th
Dance at the Village Hall: Call Shirley on 412506 Thursdays at Eight
Slip End & District Association
November
3rd
10am to noon: Councillor’s Surgery at Heathfield School, Caddington
5th
Parish Council: Village Hall at 8.00pm - should go with a Bang!
17th
Dance at the Village Hall: Call Shirley on 412506
20th
Women’s Institute: Entertainment & Patchwork Evening
24th
St Andrew’s: “Clarinet Cameos” concert by Peter Scrivener
25th
Craft Fayre at the Village Hall
BINGO
If you are a new reader and would like a copy of Parish News each month, please contact Alan
Buttery at 1 Claydown Way on 724527 or [email protected] .
Anything interesting to report about village activities, photos, holiday adventures, etc? Please
contact us, letters and e-mails are very much encouraged. Views expressed by our contributors
are not the Editor‟s own. Articles should be sent by the 15th of the preceding month to: Sue
Briggs at 83 The Crescent, Caddington, email: [email protected] or David Kingston 7
Crawley Close, Slip End, [email protected].
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events rather than leaving it until the deadline.
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BIN DAYS - OCTOBER 2007
Fridays highlighted are those when only Black
Bins are to be put out. Other Fridays put out
Green & Orange Bins, not Black Bins. See
stickers for what is to be put into each Bin.